Summary of Trump Administration Policy on Transgender Military Service

Before 2016 – Persons who identify as transgender are generally prohibited from serving in the military.[i]

July 1, 2016 – In final year of Obama administration, new policy announced by Defense Secretary Ash Carter takes effect, ending discharges of transgender Service members; will allow those who identify as transgender to join the military beginning July 1, 2017.[ii]

June 30, 2017 – President Trump’s Defense Secretary James Mattis postpones July 1 deadline for accession of transgender-identified Service members by six months.[iii]

July 26, 2017 – President Trump announces reversal of the Obama/Carter policy on Twitter, declaring that “the United States Government will not accept or allow Transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. Military.”[iv]